EMO/Fire Services co-ordinator David Kendrick (left) and Jim Newell pose for a photo during a recognition celebration on April 26 by the Joint Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) for the Municipality of Barrington and the Town of Clark's Harbour. KATHY JOHNSON

EMO/Fire Services co-ordinator David Kendrick (left) and Steve Mills hold the framed photo of the Cape Sable Light presented to Mills, along with a certificate of appreciation, at a recognition celebration on April 26 by the Joint Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) for the Municipality of Barrington and the Town of Clark's Harbour. KATHY JOHNSON

BARRINGTON, N.S. – There was cause for celebration when the Joint Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) for the Municipality of Barrington and the Town of Clark’s Harbour recognized two of their own at a special awards presentation on April 26 at the Barrington Ground Search and Rescue headquarters in Barrington Passage.

Jim Newell and Steve Mills were both presented with certificates of appreciation “in recognition of your valuable service” to the joint EMO organization and framed photos of two local lighthouses by the Municipality of Barrington’s EMO/Fire Services co-ordinator David Kendrick.

Addressing Newell, Kendrick said, “Thank you very much for what you’ve done as the EMO co-ordinator,” said Kendrick. “We really appreciate it.”

Newell, of Barrington Passage, has a long history of volunteering in the community as a firefighter and fire chief spanning 38 years. Newell also served as secretary/treasurer for the Barrington Passage Fire Department (amalgamed to the Island Barrington Passage Fire Department in 2002) and served as EMO co-ordinator for the Municipality of Barrington and Town of Clark’s Harbour until last year.

“I really enjoyed those 10 years with EMO,” said Newell. “I really enjoyed working with Steve Mills and still do think about the organization.”

Mills, the EMO planning officer for the province, has been working with local EMOs in the region for the past 10 years. He is a retired RCMP staff sergeant with more than three decades on the force.

“I’ve recognized Steve as our disaster master throughout the years I’ve known him,” quipped Dick Crowell, alternate EMO co-ordinator, during the presentation.

Mills was also thanked for all he has done for this organization in the 10 years he’s been here.

Mills said he has always enjoyed coming down to Barrington either for EMO or ground search and rescue.

“You’ve got a great group on both sides and I’ve really enjoyed working with all of you and wish you all the best in the future,” he said.